Toyota senior program manager Edward Erickson killed during charity bike ride in Michigan

Erickson, 48, was a 23-year veteran of Toyota, specializing in cost planning and vehicle specification optimization, according to his LinkedIn profile. He earned his bachelor’s degree in 1998 from Eastern Michigan University and had taken part in the annual charity ride since 2014.

Toyota Motor North America confirmed Erickson’s death.

“Our deepest sympathies go out to Ed’s family and loved ones. He was a family man first, caring for his wife and kids, in addition to being with Toyota for 23 years, most recently an integral part of our truck team. Ed was an avid cyclist and a big supporter of Make-A-Wish, and this event brought together his two passions,” a spokesperson said.

“At Toyota, Ed had been a champion for cycling safety and regularly educated our team members on the rules of the road for vehicle interaction. He was an enormously positive person with a big personality that will sorely be missed.”

Salhaney, 57, had been a supporter of Make-A-Wish since 1998 and rode in honor of a child with cancer. He got his suburban Detroit law firm to be a corporate sponsor of the tour. Before joining Secrest Wardle, he was a partner at Beier Howlett for 15 years. He also had been an assistant prosecuting attorney for Oakand County, Mich., for nearly a decade, according to his LinkedIn page.

Secrest Wardle did not immediately return a request for comment.

The group of bicyclists was riding 300 miles through rural Michigan to raise money to help Make-A-Wish grant wishes for children with critical illnesses. Together with 21 other members on their team, they raised nearly $42,000.

“Our staff and the entire Make-A-Wish family are heartbroken and offer our deepest sympathy for the riders involved, their loved ones” and others who participated in the event, the Make-A-Wish Foundation said in a statement.

— The Associated Press contributed to this report.